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Al Ittihad National Private School

Abu Dhabi

Introducing networks
A network is created when more than one device is connected together. A
network can be a small collection of computers connected within a building
(eg a school, business or home) or it can be a wide collection of computers
connected around the world.

Data packets
The main purpose of networking is to share data between computers. A file
has to be broken up into small chunks of data known as data packets in order
to be transmitted over a network. The data is then re-built once it reaches
the destination computer. Networking hardware is required to connect
computers and manage how data packets are communicated.

LANs and WANs

A network can be anything from two computers connected together, to
millions of computers connected on the internet. There are many different
types of networks. The two main types of networks are:
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

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LAN
A LAN covers a small area such as one site or building, eg a school or a
college.

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WAN
A WAN covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made from several
LANs connected together.

The internet is a WAN.

A network of bank cash dispensers is a WAN.
A school network is usually a LAN.

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LANs are often connected to WANs, for example a

school network could be connected to the internet.
WANs can be connected together using the internet,
leased lines or satellite links.

Advantages and disadvantages of

networks
Advantages

Sharing devices such as printers saves money.

Site (software) licences are likely to be cheaper than buying several

standalone licences.

Files can easily be shared between users.

Network users can communicate by email and instant messenger.

Security is good - users cannot see other users' files unlike on standalone machines.

Data is easy to backup as all the data is stored on the file server.

Disadvantages

Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive.

Managing a large network is complicated, requires training and a

network manager usually needs to be employed.

If the file server breaks down the files on the file server become
inaccessible. Email might still work if it is on a separate server. The
computers can still be used but are isolated.

Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network.

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There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide

area networks. Security procedures are needed to
prevent such abuse, eg a firewall.

Topologies
There are different ways of setting up a LAN, each with different benefits in
terms of network speed and cost. Three of the main topologies include bus,
star and ring.

The bus network

In a bus network all the workstations, servers and printers are joined to one
cable (the bus). At each end of the cable a terminator is fitted to stop
signals reflecting back down the bus.

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A bus network, connecting several workstations, servers and printers

Advantages and disadvantages of a

bus network
The advantages of a bus network are:

it is easy to install
it is cheap to install, as it doesn't require much cable

The disadvantages of a bus network are:

if the main cable fails or gets damaged the whole network will fail
as more workstations are connected the performance of the network
will become slower because of data collisions
every workstation on the network "sees" all of the data on the
network this is a security risk

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The ring network

In a ring network each device (workstation, server, printer) is connected to
two other devices - this forms a ring for the signals to travel around. Each
packet of data on the network travels in one direction and each device
receives each packet in turn until the destination device receives it.

A ring network, where each device is connected to two other devices to form
a ring

Advantages and disadvantages of a

ring network
This type of network can transfer data quickly, even if there are a large
number of devices connected because the data only flows in one direction,

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so there wont be any data collisions. However, the real

disadvantage is that if the main cable fails or any device is
faulty, then the whole network will fail.

The star network

In a star network each device on the network has its own cable that connects
to a switch or hub. A hub sends every packet of data to every device,
whereas a switch only sends a packet of data to the destination device.

A star network, where devices are connected to a central hub or switch

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Advantages and
disadvantages of a star
network
The advantages of a star network are:

it is very reliable if one cable or device fails then all the others will
continue to work
it is high-performing as no data collisions can occur

The disadvantages of a star network are:

it is expensive to install as this type of network uses the most cable

(network cable is expensive)
extra hardware is required (hubs or switches) which adds to cost
if a hub or switch fails, all the devices connected to it will have no
network connection

Wired and wireless connections

Connections between computers on a network can be wired or wireless.

Wired connection
Computers can be connected through Ethernet cables which connect to the
Ethernet port. Connecting hardware such as a router has Ethernet ports.

Wireless connection
Computers can make a wireless connection if they have a wireless NIC. A
wireless router provides a connection with the physical network. A computer
device needs to be within range of the router to get access. A wireless
connection uses radio signals to send data across networks. The wireless
adapter converts the data into a radio signal and the wireless receiver
decodes it so that the computer can understand it.
Wireless transmissions can be intercepted by anyone within range of the
router. Access can also be restricted to specific MAC addresses.

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Advantages and
disadvantages of wireless
networks
Advantages

cheap set-up costs

not tied down to a specific location

can connect multiple devices without the need for extra hardware

less disruption to the building due to no wires being installed

Disadvantages

interference can occur

the connection is not as stable as wired networks and can 'drop off'

it will lose quality through walls or obstructions

more open to hacking

slower than wired networks

Networking hardware
Computers need networking hardware in order to connect to each other. Routers,
hubs, switches and bridges are all pieces of networking equipment that can
perform slightly different tasks. A router can often incorporate hubs, switches and
wireless access within the same hardware.

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Routers
A router can form a LAN by connecting devices within a building. It also
makes it possible to connect different networks together. Homes and
businesses use a router to connect to the internet. A router can often
incorporate a modem within the hardware.

Hubs, bridges and switches

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Hubs, bridges and switches allow multiple devices to connect to the router
and they transfer data to all devices on a network. A router is a more
complex device that usually includes the capability of hubs, bridges and
switches.

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Hubs
A hub broadcasts data to all devices on a network. This can use a lot
of bandwidth as it results in unnecessary data being sent - not all computers
might need to receive the data. A hub would be useful to link up a few
games consoles for a local multiplayer game using a wired LAN.

Bridges
A bridge is used to connect two separate LAN networks. A computer can act
as a bridge through the operating system. A bridge looks for the receiving device
before it sends the message. This means that it will not send a message if
the receiving computer is not there. It will check to see if the receiver has
already had the message. This can help save unnecessary data transfers,
which improves the performance of a network.

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Switches
A switch performs a similar role to a hub and a bridge but is more powerful.
It stores the MAC addresses of devices on a network and filters data packets to see
which devices have asked for them. This makes a switch more efficient when
demand is high. If, for example, a game involved lots of data being passed
between machines, then a switch could reduce the amount of latency.

Wireless access points

Wireless access points (WAPs) are required to connect to a network
wirelessly. WAPs are usually built into the broadband router.

Device addresses
Data packets include the addresses of the devices they are going to and
coming from. Computers need a network interface card to connect to a
network. All devices on a network have a MAC address.

MAC address
Every piece of hardware on a network has a unique MAC address. This is
embedded in the hardware when the product is made in the factory, and the
user cannot change it. On a computer, the MAC address is a unique code
built into a NIC. No two computers have the same MAC address. A MAC
address is usually written as 12 hexadecimal characters.

Network interface card (NIC)

NICs enable desktop and laptop computers to connect to a network. NICs are
small circuit boards that connect to the motherboard. Smartphones also use
a GSM chip to connect to the telephone network. Games consoles contain a
NIC card so users can access the internet, download games and play online.

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Types of network
There are different networking models for how to connect computers over a
network. Computers that request information are called clients and
computers that provide information are servers. But the client and server
relationship can be organised in different ways.
The most widely-used models are client-server or peer-to-peer (P2P).

Client-server
The client-server model is the relationship between two computers in which
one, the client, makes a service request from another, the server. The key
point about a client-server model is that the client is dependent on the
server to provide and manage the information.
For example, websites are stored on web servers. A web browser is the client
which makes a request to the server, and the server sends the website to the
browser.
Popular websites need powerful servers to serve thousands or millions of
clients, all making requests at the same time. The client side of a web
application is often referred to as the front end. The server side is referred to
as the back end.

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Peer-to-peer (P2P)
In a P2P network, no single provider is responsible for being the server. Each
computer stores files and acts as a server. Each computer has equal
responsibility for providing data.

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In the client-server model, many users trying to access a large file, such as a
film, would put strain on one server. In the peer-to-peer model, many users
on the network could store the same file. Each computer can then send
sections of the file, sharing the workload. Each client can download and
share files with other users.
P2P is ideal for sharing files. P2P would be unsuitable for a service such as
booking tickets, as one server needs to keep track of how many tickets are
left. Also, on P2P networks no single computer is responsible for storing a file
- anyone can delete files as they wish.

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Differences between client-server and

P2P networks
Client-server
Security

P2P

The server controls security of No central control over

the network.
security.

The server manages the

Managem network. Needs a dedicated
team of people to manage the No central control over the
ent
server.
network. Anyone can set up.

Dependen Clients are dependent on the

cy
server.

Clients are not dependent on a

central server.

The server can be upgraded to If machines on the network are

slow they will slow down other
machines.

Performan
be made more powerful to
ce
cope with high demand.
Backups

Data is all backed up on the

main server.

Each computer has to be

backed up. Data can easily be
deleted by users.

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Glossary
Bridge: A device that connects local area networks (LAN) or two parts of a
LAN.
Client: The computer on a network that request data from a server.
Client-server: A form of computer networking where the website or web
application is hosted on a server and accessed by client computers.
Data packet: A piece of data sent over a network. Messages have to be
broken down into binary data packets before they are transferred.
Ethernet: A copper cable used to connect computers to a network.
GSM: Global system for mobile communications - standards used to manage
communication on the mobile network. 3G and 4G are the third and fourth
generations of GSM.
Hack: Gaining unauthorised access to a computer.
Hexadecimal:A number system using 16 characters from 0-9 and A-F, also
known as base 16 and hex.
Hub: A piece of hardware used in computer networks used to connect
multiple devices.
LAN: Local Area Network (LAN): a network of computers that covers a small
area, eg a school or college.
MAC address: Media access control - each unique piece of hardware on a
network has a MAC address.
NIC: Network interface card - all devices connecting to a network need one
of these.
P2P: Peer-to-peer - a type of network model where all computers on the
network share responsibility and there is no one central server.
Router: A device for connecting computers and other network capable
devices together to form a network.
Server: A computer that holds data to be shared with other computers. A
web server stores and shares websites. Servers require server software.
Switch: A device for connecting computers and other network capable
devices together to form a network.

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Terminator: A device that terminates signals to prevent

them reflecting back down the line.
WAN: Wide area network - a network that spans across a building, buildings
or even countries, eg the internet.
Web server: The location for storing the contents of a web site.
Wireless: A connection that does not need wires and transmits data through
radio signals.
Workstation: A computer connected to a network.